The Madeira 81st Open Tournament got under way on Sunday in conditions almost too hot to handle and the weather looks set fair to stay with the tournament throughout the week, writes Jenny Smith.

Many members have been working hard at the club preparing the greens and grounds, stocking the fridges and freezers and baking, ready for the almost 130 people taking part.

Meanwhile, bowling has continued apace. Angie Fish has reached the fifth round of the Champion of Champions competition by beating Hayley James from Kings Bowling Club 21-16.

Angela’s next opponent will either be Shirley Coad from Cornwall or Natalie Chestney from Torquay Kings to qualify for Leamington.

Jan Roberts, Lyn Eveleigh and Jacky Howle reached the qualifying rounds for the Nationals at Leamington this week by beating Tiverton West End and Abbrook Park. However, they were disappointed to lose to Plymouth City Bus in the semi-final play-off. They must now play Crediton in the ‘C’ Section of the competition to qualify.

For the men’s section, on Tuesday, Madeira played Feniton in the final section match of the County Trophy.

They did well to win on both rinks at home and away for a place in the last 16 of this competition.

On Friday Aaron Southgate played Jamie Heard at Culm Vale in the National Champion of Champions and won 21 to 8 which means he has reached the semi-final stage of Area Two which covers Cornwall and Devon.

On Sunday, Ken Roberts, Colin Hughes, Mike Marks and Jim Wherlock played at Kings Torquay in the quarter-finals of the County Senior Fours against a rink from South Moulton, but were disappointed to lose by 20 shots to 10.

On Friday evening, 40 members competed in a drive for the Diamond Jubilee trophy. A fun evening overseen by men’s vice-captain Danny Doran, who presented the winning team of Vic Doidge, playing with Alan Porter, Lin Hambly and Keith Prew, who had plus 13 shots, with the trophy and a bottle of wine each.